Housing Options Officer

Working on behalf of a Local Authority, Aatom Recruitment has a new opportunity for a Housing Options Officer on a 2 months intial contract with the possibility of further extension.

Job purpose:

To prevent homelessness wherever possible and assist households to achieve sustainable housing solutions. To provide a full housing options advice and homeless service to those clients who are in housing need, fulfilling the client’s statutory duties, powers and functions under the relevant homeless legislation. To support the objectives of the client’s Homelessness Strategy. Where required to participate in an out of hours standby rota to respond to homelessness emergencies within the locality area, including incidents in temporary accommodation.

Main accountabilities:

• To work with clients, provide advice and investigate homelessness applications made under the terms of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended)
• To interview clients and complete an assessment of the applicant’s circumstances, in all cases, to determine the duty owed to the client and inform the client in writing of the client’s decision in accordance with the relevant legislation seeking advice and guidance where needed from colleagues.
• Providing information to clients in a variety of formats on a broad range of alternatives from house purchases, low cost home ownership, registered providers, social housing, private rented etc.
• Makes recommendations to the Senior Housing Options Officer/Team Leader for payments under the client’s Homelessness Prevention Fund, Repossessions Loan Fund and DHP Deposit Scheme in accordance with approved policy and procedure.
• Ensure the effective management of the full range of temporary accommodation available either directly or through liaison with the Temporary Accommodation Staff, this may include the co-ordination of support regarding risk assessments and housing related support plans for homeless households in temporary accommodation.
• To work with, and to sign-post customers to, voluntary/other partner agencies (including Mental Health and Adult Care services, children’s Social care, IDAS, and Probation) in order to contribute to a high quality Housing Options Service

Requirements:

• Awareness and knowledge and commitment to Equality and Diversity and Health and Safety legislation and of safeguarding responsibilities.
• Knowledge or understanding of current housing issues and solutions in respect of homeless people
• Dealing with the public in a customer service/advisory capacity
• Experience of assessing need and offering housing advice to the public to achieve effective solutions to housing problems

If you are interested in this role, please apply or contact Pocholo for more information!